How to Handle Pests Seeking Warmth in Your Home: Fall Invaders

As the crisp autumn air sets in and temperatures drop, your cozy home becomes a beacon for pests seeking refuge from the cold. Common fall invaders include rodents, spiders, stink bugs, and cluster flies, all of which can create significant discomfort and health risks. In this blog post, we’ll discuss why pest infestations enter homes in the fall, how to prevent them, and when to call professional pest control services for help.

Why Pests Invade in the Fall

When the weather cools, pests instinctively seek warmth, food, and shelter to survive the harsh winter months. Your home provides all three in abundance, making it a prime target. Some common fall invaders and their behaviors include:

• Rodents: Mice and rats can squeeze through even the tiniest openings, making their way into walls, attics, and basements. They contaminate food, spread diseases like hantavirus, and gnaw on wiring which some data says that is the cause of up to 20% of undetermined house and structure fires in the United States each year 
• Spiders: While most spiders are harmless, their presence in homes increases in the fall as they search for a safe place to lay eggs or find prey.
• Stink Bugs: These shield-shaped insects release a foul odor when disturbed, making them particularly unpleasant houseguests. They often gather in large numbers on sunny walls before sneaking indoors.
• Cluster Flies: Attracted to light and warmth, cluster flies enter homes through cracks and crevices. Once inside, they gather in large groups, often in attics or near windows.

Preventing Fall Pest Invaders

The key to keeping pests out is to make your home less inviting and attractive to pests. Follow these preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of an infestation:

1. Seal Entry Points
   Inspect your home for gaps, cracks, and holes, particularly around windows, doors, and the foundation. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal gaps and install door sweeps to block under-door entry.
2. Keep Your Home Clean
   Crumbs, spills, and food waste attract pests. Regularly clean kitchen counters, vacuum floors, and store food in airtight containers to eliminate pests accessing food sources.
3. Declutter Your Home
   Pests love hiding in cluttered spaces. Decluttering storage areas, basements, and attics removes potential nesting and hiding spots.
4. Maintain Your Yard
   Trim back bushes and trees away from your home, as they provide a pathway for pests. Keep firewood at least 20 feet from your house, and clear leaves and debris that may harbor pests.
5. Install Screens and Vent Covers
   Ensure that windows, vents, and chimneys are covered with screens to prevent pests from entering. These can also help protect your property from warmer season pests as well. Repair or replace damaged screens promptly.

Common DIY Pest Control Tips

If pests do make their way indoors, there are several natural remedies and over-the-counter products you can use to manage them:

• For Rodents: Set snap traps or bait stations in areas where you’ve noticed droppings or activity. Owning pets like cats can also be a natural deterrent for rodents wanting to nest.
• For Stink Bugs: When stink bugs are crushed they release an unpleasant odor. This odor can act as an attractant to other stink bugs. You can vacuum up stink bugs instead of crushing them to avoid this. Dispose of the vacuum bag immediately.
• For Spiders: Spray a mixture of water and peppermint oil around doors, windows, and corners. Spiders dislike the strong scent and will steer clear.
• For Cluster Flies: Use fly traps or sticky paper near windows to catch cluster flies. Keep window sills clean and dry to reduce attraction.

When to Call Professional Pest Control

While DIY methods can handle minor issues, larger infestations or persistent pests often require a professional touch. Here’s when to consider calling a pest control expert:

• Rodents: If you hear constant scratching noises in your walls or ceilings, find gnawed wires or droppings, or notice a foul odor—you may have a severe rodent infestation requiring professional extermination. 
• Stink Bugs and Cluster Flies: Large swarms of stink bugs or cluster flies can be difficult to manage with home remedies alone. A pest control technician can apply targeted treatments to eliminate them effectively.
• Structural Damage: If pests have caused damage to insulation, wiring, or structural components of your home, professional inspection and remediation are essential.

At Green Pest Management, we offer comprehensive pest control solutions tailored to your home’s unique needs. Our team uses environmentally friendly methods to remove pests and prevent them from returning.

How Professional Pest Control Works

When you call a pest control service like Green Pest Management, you can expect a thorough and efficient process, including:

1. Inspection: Our technicians will inspect your home to identify entry points, nesting sites, and the type of pest involved.
2. Customized Plan: Based on the findings, we create a tailored treatment plan using safe, effective pest control methods.
3. Treatment: We apply treatments to eliminate pests, seal entry points, and recommend preventive measures.
4. Follow-Up: Our services include free re-services to ensure pests have been eradicated and prevent future infestations. 

Protecting Your Home Year-Round

Fall pest control isn’t just about addressing current pest infestations; it’s about preparing your home for the months ahead. By implementing preventive measures you can enjoy a pest-free home year-round. Don’t let fall invaders take over your home! Contact Green Pest Management today for professional pest control services that keep your property safe, clean, and comfortable.

Sources:

1. EPA: Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
   https://www.epa.gov